India took control of the five-match T20 series vs Zimbabwe with a solid 23-run victory over the African side. Batting first, the new-look Indian side posted an imposing 182 for 4 in the 20 overs. With captain Shubman Gill top scoring with 66 off 39 with three sixes. He was aided by the versatile Ruturaj Gaikwad who made 49 in 28 with 3 sixes.
Chasing, the Zimbabweans made a fist of this match. Despite losing some early wickets cheaply, Dion Myers, Clive Madande, and captain Sikandar Raza made solid contributions that kept the African side in the game. However, ultimately it was just too much as the Zimbabwe side fell too far behind the asking rate to threaten the Indian score, giving the T20 world champions their second win of the tournament.
India Batting First – Shubman Gill Answers His Critics
Some questions were coming into the third game against the admittedly weaker side in the form of captain Shubman Gill. Whilst he had a decent IPL 2024, his inability to make the top playing 11 for the World T20 2024 was a black spot for the opener. With his failure in the last game, and a 31 in a losing cause in the first game did not help.
It is telling of the strength of this Indian side where even a few bad performances and questions will be raised on player form and his place in the side. As an answer to any critics, Gill put on a solid performance leading his side to a commanding 182 for 4. Whilst larger scores have been easily chased down, in foreign conditions and the strength of India’s bowing, this was a decent total.
Zimbabwe Top Order Fall Apart in Quick Time
This is a recurring problem for weaker sides when going up against top-class teams: that is the ability to produce a good start and then to maintain that momentum for the rest of the game. Things went wrong for Zimbabwe almost from the word go, as Wesley Madhevere was dismissed cheaply by Avesh Khan. Then Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennett followed soon after. Brian Bennett’s wicket was key, as the Zimbabwe side has come to rely on his performances more and more.
But before things turned sour, Dion Myers put together a rescue operation of some sort with some good counter-attacking cricket. Realizing that defense alone was not going to be good enough to stay the Indian bowlers, Zimbabwe’s Myers played a well-paced 49 ball 65, inclusive of seven fours and a six. He was supported by 37 off 26 by Clive Madande, but this was not enough at the end.
India go 2-1 Up in the Series
After the shock defeat in the first game, things seem to be returning to normal for India. Despite being a new-look side with a lot of young faces there is no shortage of talent and class in this side. And it is increasingly on show. The fact that India can play four openers in the first four slots is an indication of the versatility of this side. A lot of talent and potential is on show, and this team is growing it is only a matter of time before Kohli and Sharma’s absence will be filled.
With two games remaining in the series, India will look to pounce on the opportunity and win the last two as well. This one-sided series win will showcase the team’s bench strength after leaving out a lot of big names.
